Can you eat pineapple with Gastroparesis?

In this article, we will address the query “Can you eat pineapple with Gastroparesis?” Additionally, we will cover relevant information like the best way to consume pineapple if you have Gastroparesis, the potential benefits of pineapple, and other alternatives to pineapple.

Can you eat pineapple with Gastroparesis?

Ideally, you should not eat raw pineapple due to the high fiber content of this fruit (1). Pineapple contains 1.4 g fiber each 100 g of fruit (2). However, there are some ways that you can consume pineapple in your diet if you have Gastroparesis.

In the following subheadings, you will learn interesting things about pineapple, so keep reading!

How should pineapple be prepared or consumed for better tolerance with Gastroparesis?

You could try canned or cooked pineapple, usually these preparations break down the molecules in food, so it’s easier to digest and is less likely to exacerbate the Gastroparesis symptoms (1).

Another preparation is strained pineapple juice, it is important to remove all the pulp and fiber from the juice, because fiber is a nutrient able to trigger abdominal inflammation in people with Gastroparesis (1).

The juice of pineapple has been tested in animals, demonstrating a positive effect on stomach emptying and intestine mobility (3). 

In 2013, a group of researchers presented a short letter testing doses of 75 ml of pineapple juice, the patient showed a relief on Gastroparesis symptoms and a better digestion of foods (4).

Pineapple contains an enzyme known as bromelain that helps to break down the molecules of food. Thus, bromelain could help to digest food, especially protein-rich foods, and your symptoms of Gastroparesis could be alleviated (5).

Are there potential benefits of consuming pineapple for individuals with Gastroparesis?

As mentioned before, 75 ml of strained pineapple juice could provide you with bromelain, an enzyme able to help your stomach for food digestion and alleviate your symptoms (4).

Moreover, there are other benefits of consuming pineapple in your diet. For instance (6):

  • Pineapples contain antioxidants like polyphenols which help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and obesity.
  • Other important antioxidants in pineapples are carotenoids, precursors of vitamin A and helpful for good eyesight and skin health.
  • Pineapples also contain vitamin C, a widely known vitamin crucial for maintaining a strong immune system, especially against diseases of the respiratory system.

Are there any alternatives to pineapple for individuals who cannot tolerate it with Gastroparesis?

You can consume canned fruits, watermelon, and melon. Watermelon and melon are low-fiber fruits, providing less than 1 g each 100 g of fruit (7,8).

Conclusion

In this article, we addressed the query “Can you eat pineapple with Gastroparesis?” Additionally, we covered relevant information like the best way to consume pineapple if you have Gastroparesis, the potential benefits of pineapple, and other alternatives to pineapple.

References

  1. Limketkai BN, LeBrett W, Lin L, Shah ND. Nutritional approaches for gastroparesis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2020;5(11):1017–26.
  1. FoodData central [Internet]. Usda.gov. [cited 2023 May 17]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169124/nutrients
  1. Nwankudu ON, Ijioma SN, Nwosu C. Effects of fresh juices of Ananas comosus (pineapple) and Carica papaya (paw paw) on gastrointestinal motility. Int. J. Gen. Med. Pharm, 2014;3, 47-52.
  1. Altinbas A, Hamamci M, Karakose M, Delibasi T, Yuksel O. Pineapple juice ingestion for gastric discomfort in diabetic gastroparesis. Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica, 2013;76(1):72-73.
  1. Choi WM, Lam CL, Mo WY, Wong MH. Upgrading food wastes by means of bromelain and papain to enhance growth and immunity of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016;23(8):7186–94.
  1. Mohsin A, Jabeen A, Majid D, Allai FM, Dar AH, Gulzar B, et al. Pineapple. In: Antioxidants in Fruits: Properties and Health Benefits. Singapore: Springer Singapore; 2020. p. 379–96.
  1. FoodData central [Internet]. Usda.gov. [cited 2023 May 17]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167765/nutrients
  1. FoodData central [Internet]. Usda.gov. [cited 2023 May 17]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169092/nutrients